THE MINISTER FOR Agriculture, Simon Coveney has extended the imported fodder scheme for a further two weeks and doubled the fund to €2 million.
The decision was made following consultation with Met Éireann, co-ops, Teagasc and advice from officials working on the ground.
Aimed to help farmers suffering from food shortages following the unseasonally cold winter, fodder will be delivered into the country over the next two weeks and will be covered up until 24 May.
“We will continue to monitor the situation on a day-by-day basis,” said Minister Coveney. “I understand that this remains a very challenging situation for farmers and this extension will allow both farmers and co-ops to have some certainly around supply of fodder over the coming weeks.”
Over 3,500 tons of hay has already been imported into the country so far by the Department of Agriculture.
A similar scheme was also set up by the Irish Farmers Association, which saw €1.3 million worth of fodder, to help farmers in need, delivered from France on Wednesday.
The Animal Welfare Hotline remains open all weekend for those with emergency situations or who need information about where to source fodder: 1850 21 19 90.
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